Proverbs 20:8

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he knows evil when he sees it.

Proverbs 20:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:8

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment
That executes judgment himself, as David and Solomon did; who ascends the throne, and sits personally there, and hears and tries causes himself, and not by his servants: scattereth away all evil with his eyes;
all evil men, as the Targum; everyone that is evil, as Aben Ezra: he will easily and quickly discern who is evil, or who is in a bad cause before him, and will pass sentence on him, and drive him away from him with shame and disgrace, and to receive deserved punishment; or he will terrify persons from coming before him with false witness against their neighbour, or with a wrong cause. This may be applied to Christ, the King of kings, and Judge of all; whose eyes are as a flame of fire; who will clearly see into all hearts and actions, when he shall sit on his throne of judgment; and shall pass the righteous and definitive sentence, and shall drive the wicked into hell, into everlasting punishment.

Proverbs 20:8 In-Context

6 Many people claim to be loyal, but it is hard to find a trustworthy person.

7 The good people who live honest lives will be a blessing to their children.

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he knows evil when he sees it.

9 No one can say, "I am innocent; I have never done anything wrong."

10 The Lord hates both these things: dishonest weights and dishonest measures.